First Generation scholarship
The RSM US Foundation awards five first-generation students with up to $30,000 each in scholarships, paid $10,000 annually over three consecutive academic years and an invitation to an RSM information session.
Scholarships will be paid on behalf of the awarded student, directly to the college or university they attend.
Scholarship timeline
- Applications accepted Dec. 1 until Feb. 28 annually
- Selections made in May annually
- Payments made to recipients' universities prior to the start of the upcoming academic year
How to apply
- Track down your unofficial transcript
- Craft a personalized statement (1,500 characters or less) on what motivates you to grow forward as a first-generation student
- Create a 30-60 second video–original content only–demonstrating which of our 5 C’s comes most naturally to you
- During the application acceptance period described above, click the “Apply now” button on this page
- If you meet the First Generation scholarship eligibility, you're also eligible for the Power Your Education scholarship—and you can apply for both through a single application
All applications require a video. Please only use original content–capture only yourself, selfie-style, not other people, photos, music, videos or unoriginal content. Keep it simple and within 30-60 seconds! Failure to follow video guidelines may render your scholarship application ineligible.
Eligibility
The program is open to legal residents of the 50 states and Washington, D.C., who are at least 18 years old, full-time students with a 3.3 GPA or above at an accredited college or university, and studying business or technology in a bachelor's degree program.
Applicants must be a first-, second-, or third-year student with no immediate family members from previous generations that have received a bachelor's degree. An applicant is still considered a first-generation student even if their immediate siblings have or are currently pursuing a bachelor's degree.
View the FAQs and full terms and conditions for more information and details on the program.
Questions?
Email RSMscholarships@rsmus.com with additional questions.
Meet this year's winners
This scholarship means a lot to me because it eases the financial burden on my family. As a first-generation student, it allows me to stay focused, work hard and make the most of the opportunities I’ve been given.
Hamdi Ali, University of Minnesota
It represents an opportunity to make my family proud and demonstrate that being first-generation is not a limitation but a source of motivation and strength. It means that I can pursue my degree with less of a financial burden.
Elizabeth Lanza, Florida International University
Receiving this scholarship affirms the risks I took to rebuild my path as a first-generation student. It relieves financial pressure on my family and fuels my commitment to use data science to expand opportunity, not just for myself, but for others navigating barriers like mine.
Parshv Patel, University of California, Berkeley
With this incredible scholarship, I hope to use this opportunity and give back twofold to the future generation of first-generation leaders.
Audrey Kim, University of Minnesota, Twin Cities
Receiving the RSM First Generation scholarship means being seen for both my potential and my journey. As a first-generation student, I appreciate this recognition for my hard work, resilience and commitment to creating opportunities not just for myself but for those who will follow.
Rhoda Akosah, Marquette University
Previous RSM scholarship awardee
The scholarship has been immensely beneficial. It has motivated me to excel in the classroom, showcase my leadership skills and lead clubs. Someone believed in me, and now I'm encouraging others to apply for scholarships and pursue internships.
Kevin Benitez, First Generation scholarship recipient
